camaraderie + gardens = a beautiful community

Loves Me, Loves Me Not

I distinctly remember pulling the petals off a daisy—over whatever boy was the object of my affections in a given youthful summer. But I never seemed to get the desired outcome. Should I start with “He Loves Me” or start with “He Loves Me Not?”

I suppose I could have counted the petals beforehand, applying some practical mathematics. Alas, at a tender age I was unlucky in love . . . unlucky in math, too, come to think of it.

He loves me. He loves me not.

This child’s play is actually a centuries-old game—thought to pre-date even 1800. See in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s Tragedy of Faust, published in 1808, how it is an already established game. Excerpted and translated—Scene XII: The Garden

Faust: Sweet darling!

Margaret: Wait a moment! (She picks a Marguerite and pulls the petals off one by one.)

Faust: What’s that for, a bouquet?

Margaret: No, it’s a game.

Faust: What?

Margaret:No, you’ll laugh if I say! (She pulls off the petals, murmuring to herself.)

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About Nancy

Nancy R. Peck has 30+ years experience as a volunteer primarily in the fields of civic beautification, preservation, community outreach and enrichment.
Her goal at Garden Club Salon: to acknowledge and encourage the motivation needed to beautify our shared places and spaces.
Is anyone noticing your labor? Yes!

Have story or interview ideas? Contact Nancy at salonhostess@gmail.com